Why does COVID-19 cause loss of appetite?

Illness often shifts the body's priorities away from hunger. Nasal congestion or loss of smell can reduce the enjoyment of food, and a sore throat may make swallowing uncomfortable. Loss of Appetite is a common presentation of COVID-19, but poor appetite can also result from many other illnesses, medicines, stress, and digestive problems. A short-lived smaller appetite is different from being unable to take in enough fluids or from ongoing unplanned weight loss.

Start with frequent sips of water, soup, oral rehydration drinks, or other fluids you tolerate. Try small portions of familiar foods, such as yoghurt, fruit, toast, rice, eggs, or soup, rather than pressuring yourself to finish large meals. Cool or bland foods may be easier if smells are unpleasant. Track what you can drink and whether you are passing urine normally. A pharmacist can advise on suitable options if nausea or sore throat is making intake difficult.

Contact a clinician promptly if you cannot keep fluids down, have very little urine, feel dizzy when standing, or are becoming increasingly weak. Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, chest pain or pressure, confusion, or trouble staying awake. Children, older adults, pregnant people, and people with diabetes or other long-term conditions may need earlier advice when eating and drinking fall off.

Ask what amount of fluid intake is reasonable for you, how to manage nausea or swallowing discomfort, and whether your health conditions change the advice.